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Every Monday: Family Liturgies–Prayers and practices for you to use with your family (or not) Every Wednesday: Practicing with Children–Stories of how we experience God in the midst of family life Every Friday: Practicing Parents–Spiritual insight gleaned from parenting, and about parenting (Logo designer Kristin Neufeld Epp with her family.)

The Contributors Page provides a small glimpse into the lives of the regular Practicing Families writers. You should really click over and look at all of these beautiful people! We also suggest you visit their blogs for more great writing. (Photo of contributing writer Chris Lenshyn and family.)

The Prayer Room is a place to give and receive prayer support. Stop by and share any joys or concerns that you would like us to hold in prayer. Take a few minutes to offer prayer and words of encouragement to others who have shared. (Photo of contributing writer Christine Gough and family.)

The Resources Page contains suggestions for books, web sites, and other resources that offer support for families engaging in spiritual practices. Check out our suggestions and contact us with resources that you have found helpful on your journey. (Photo of contributing writer Amy Yoder-McGlaughlin and family.)

It all started in a nondescript conference room, seated in a big circle with a bunch of strangers. I was at the 2012 Aprentis Institute conference, listening to a presentation about the ministry of Renovare–providing resources to help Christians deepen their spiritual lives. During the question and answer time, a young mother asked about resources …

True, we’re already a little ways into Lent. Maybe you’re feeling it deeply already; maybe not. In place of our usual Family Liturgy today, here are a couple of links to ideas that can involve the whole family in a meaningful – but totally do-able – observance of this season. Traci Smith has created this … Continue reading →

~by Donald Hanna There are many things we hear related to living out a faith life that sound straightforward on the surface, but get more complicated as we dig into them. For instance, “Love one another,” or “live simply.” One wonders, is it better to buy organic food, which is less detrimental to the earth … Continue reading →

~by Jill Clingan I am not giving up anything for Lent this year. The truth is, I went through the Whole30 in January, which felt like 30 straight days of Lent without even the reprieve of Sunday “feast days.” I feel like I paid my Lenten dues, despite the fact that none of the food … Continue reading →

by Joe and Shelby Greemore Prayer Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy. O, Divine Master, Grant that I may not … Continue reading →

~by Julia Roller A stomach flu recently made its way through our family. One Friday my younger son, the next Friday my older son, and last Thursday it was lucky me. Everything looks a little different when you’re lying on the bathroom floor. And while I do sometimes find myself wishing I had cleaned the … Continue reading →

By Dena Hobbs Last year I attended an Ash Wednesday service with my children. It was the first Ash Wednesday service they had experienced since toddlerhood. I had missed a couple of years going and was determined to experience this ritual that I love so much. Since my kids were by my side that day, they went too. … Continue reading →

~Andrew Tash Last week, I had a dream. I dreamed that our oldest son was 5 again and I had all the knowledge of his subsequent 14 years (he’s now 19 on the verge of 20) at my disposal. I knew that he’d break his arm in the next couple of months. I knew that … Continue reading →